Q+A with Madison Chock and Greg Zuerlein

July 27, 2010 - Christie Sausa

Madison Chock and Greg Zuerlein, who visit Lake Placid often to skate, performed in last week's Saturday Night Ice Show. Lake Placid News sat down with these young ice dancers to gain perspective on their hopes for this season and more.

LPN: Was your season as expected?

Madison Chock: Last season was a season to just get our feet wet.

Greg Zuerlein: Yes, we didn't expect much going into the season, since it was our first year as Seniors. Our goal was to skate like Senior level dancers.

LPN: What are your goals for this season?

MC: Our main goal is to make the world team; our secondary goal is to qualify for the Grand Prix Final. (Note: The Grand Prix final is the last stop in the Grand Prix, and only skaters who qualify through skating well in other Grand Prix events can qualify.)

LPN: Where do you train, and why did you choose that training facility?

MC and GZ: We train at the Arctic Edge in Canton, Michigan. Some of the best ice dancers, like Meryl Davis and Charlie White (2010 Olympic Silver Medalists) and Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir (2010 Olympic Champions) train there. Obviously we train at this facility because the coaching is incredible.

LPN: What is your favorite skating move and why?

MC and GZ: Definitely the split lift, it's such a fun move. (Note: the split lift is best described as the lifted partner turning 180 degrees then landing).

LPN: Has any particular skater been an influence on your skating?

MC and GZ: Not really; there are so many different skaters that we admire for different reasons....they all influence us in different ways.

LPN: Any advice for young skaters?

MC: You have to keep fighting for your dream; perserverence is important.

GZ: Things aren't always going to work out like you expect, but you have to keep going anyway.

For more information about Madison and Greg, check out their website at http://chock-zuerlein.ice-dance.com/.